Summer is here again. It's back to warmer weather, longer days, backyard
barbeques, and, inevitably mosquitoes. This year, it's more important than
ever to protect yourself from bug bites because the West Nile virus is expected
to reach the Bay Area.

The West Nile virus made its United States debut in New York during the
summer of 1999. There have been a few cases reported in Southern California,
and the virus is expected to show up in the Bay Area this summer. The chance
of infection is quite small, but it's always smart to play it safe.

The West Nile virus is a disease carried by birds - primarily crows,
jays, hawks and magpies - but some mosquitoes that feed on infected birds
can transmit the virus to humans. The highest risk is to the elderly and
those with weakened immune systems.

The good news is that only a few species of mosquitoes carry the virus
and if an infected mosquito bites you, you've got a 1 in 100 chance of
getting the virus. And of the people who get the virus, only about 1 in
150 may feel ill enough to see a doctor.

The bad news is that there is not yet a vaccine for humans (only for
horses) and treatment consists of supportive nursing care. Symptoms of
serious illness include head and neck pain, high fever, confusion, tremors,
muscle weakness, paralysis and, in 264 cases over the past year, death.

Nevertheless, there are several simple things each of us can do to prevent
the virus from spreading.

San Francisco is getting a jump on the virus by eliminating breeding
sources and making sure sewer drains are not blocked and ponds in city parks
are stocked with special mosquito-eating microorganisms. The SF Department
of Public Health is working with city agencies to develop a coordinated
mosquito prevention and West Nile virus response plan. It also investigates
reports from the public regarding problem mosquito activity and works with
doctors and hospitals to make sure potential West Nile virus cases are properly
diagnosed. Bay Area residents can also lend a hand. The most effective way
of preventing West Nile virus is to control the mosquitoes at their breeding
source: standing water. Killing adult mosquitoes with poisonous chemical
sprays is ineffective because it fails to eliminate their breeding source.
Mosquitoes can mature in tiny amounts of standing water - as little as one
tablespoon - in just one week.

To prevent mosquito breeding in standing water:

· Eliminate standing water in all containers;

· Keep rain gutters and drains free of debris;

· Drill holes in large containers to let water drain out;

· Report potholes and broken sidewalks to (415) 28-CLEAN (282-5326);

· Fix leaky outdoor faucets;

· Fill tree holes with absorbent, such as SoilMoist or Broadleaf
P4;

· Offer to help neighbors who are elderly or disabled with these
responsibilities.

For ponds and mosquito prevention install a water pump to keep water
moving, add mosquito fish (free from the San Mateo Mosquito Abatement District
at (650) 344-8592 or use less toxic controls for the larvae. These include
products like MosquitoDunks, Vectobac, Pre-Strike or others that contain
bacteria (Bt) or methoprene. You can find these products at neighborhood
hardware stores, including Cole Hardware or Sloat Garden Centers.

To protect against bug bites, wear long sleeves and long pants, use insect
repellent and consider installing screens. Call the Health Department (252-3805)
to report mosquito problems or go to www.sfmosquito.org for more information.